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Brandon Roy grew up in the collision industry. His grandfather was a blacksmith. His father ran body shops and taught collision repair. By the time Brandon was a teenager, he was already sanding panels and painting vehicles inside the family shop. What started in a paint booth eventually turned into a career that spans more than two decades across collision repair, estimating, operations, coaching, paid speaking, and national training. Today, Brandon travels across North America as an instructor with NCM Associates, helping shops develop leaders, improve performance, and build stronger teams in the collision repair industry. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 What it takes to become a world-class refinish technician 👉 The difference between paint “applicators” and real painters 👉 Why mentorship is the most overlooked advantage in the trades 👉 How leadership and culture shape successful collision centers 👉 Why attitude and problem-solving determine long-term success If you work in collision repair, mechanical service, or dealership operations, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth in the trades. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Wrench Turners Podcast 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@wrenchturners 📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to support the channel Subscribe for episodes on: 👉 Service advisor training 👉 Technician productivity 👉 Service Leadership 👉 Mechanic Mental Health 👉 Repair order accuracy 👉 Dealership leadership and culture 👉 Fixed Ops coaching and management 👉 Automotive Content Creation 👉 Event Media and Publication 👉 Event Filmography Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45eb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Find Brandon Roy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-roy-697b5356/ Chapters 01:05 Introducing Brandon Roy 02:30 Growing Up in Collision 04:30 What a Refinish Tech Does 07:00 The Truth About Paint 10:30 Painters vs “Applicators” 14:00 Family Influence 18:00 Mentorship Matters 22:00 Commitment vs the Modern Career 26:00 Hiring the Right People 30:00 Becoming a Paid Speaker 33:30 Advice for Technicians 35:30 Final Thoughts

John Baranski started as an automotive technician in the middle of the 2008 recession, when shops were closing and layoffs were constant. Instead of quitting, he learned everything no one else wanted to do. Water leaks. Convertible tops. Hybrids. That grit carried him from fixing cars to fixing boats… and eventually, into leadership. Today, John is a shop foreman in the marine industry, managing a team that repairs some of the most advanced wake and performance boats in the world. In this episode, we talk about: 👉 How to survive shop closures and layoffs 👉 Turning hard jobs into career opportunities 👉 Building accountability and trust on the shop floor 👉 The difference between working hard and leading hard 👉 What it takes to move from wrenching to leadership If you’re a mechanic, technician, or service professional who wants to level up, this conversation will hit home. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Wrench Turners Podcast 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@WrenchTurners 📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to support the channel Subscribe for episodes on: Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Automotive Content Creation Event Media and Publication Event Filmography Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45eb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing Chapters: 00:00 – Opening Prayer 01:00 – Who is John Baranski? 03:00 – Discovering a Passion 05:00 – Getting Recruited 07:00 – Surviving the 2008 Crash 09:00 – Learning Work Ethic 12:00 – Accountability, Trust 15:00 – The Power of Great Leadership 18:00 – Finding Culture and Coaching 20:00 – Moving to Florida: 23:00 – Becoming a Master Tech 26:00 – Reaching the Top 29:00 – The Hardest Jobs in the Dealership 31:00 – Transition from Cars to Boats 34:00 – Entering the Marine Industry 36:00 – Learning Boats from Scratch 38:00 – Mentorship, Mindset, and Learning 42:00 – Universal Skills All Mechanics Share 44:00 – Advice for Technicians 47:00 – “Do the Jobs Nobody Wants to Do” 49:00 – The Wildest Customer Stories 51:00 – The Coolest Thing That Ever Happened at Work 52:00 – Final Thoughts and Closing Quote

Technician recruiting is broken, and Sheila Pogue has seen it from both sides.In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, Sheila shares how she went from a parts counter rookie to leading teams across service, warranty, marketing, and now talent acquisition in RV, Marine, Power Sports, and Automotive.She’s placed techs, she’s hired techs, she’s BEEN the tech’s backup when things went sideways. Now, she’s sounding the alarm: if your dealership can’t recruit techs, it’s not a shortage, it’s a systems problem.In this episode:✅ Why most techs don’t even have a resume✅ What top technicians actually want (and what they don’t)✅ How LinkedIn is “word of mouth on wide open throttle” for hiring✅ What shops should be doing right now✅ Why RV, Marine might just be the next big hiring poolWhether you're a GM, Fixed Ops Director, or recruiter trying to fill your bays, or a tech thinking about your next move, this episode will change the way you think about hiring and getting hired.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to support smarter recruiting and better technician careers.🔧 Follow Sheila Pogue on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilapogue713/🔔 Subscribe to the Wrench Turners Podcast for more in-depth conversations with industry innovators.#morethancarsSubscribe for episodes on:Service advisor trainingTechnician productivityRepair order accuracyDealership leadership and cultureFixed Ops coaching and managementAutomotive Content CreationEvent Media and PublicationEvent FilmographyListen to The Wrench Turners PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45ebInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealershipshttps://www.fixedopsmarketing.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing

Mindy Williams is the definition of a powerhouse. A five-time Subaru Stars winner, Sparkplug Award champion, and the top service advisor at CMA’s Myers team, Mindy knows what it takes to rise from part-time receptionist to full-blown service manager. In this episode of the Wrench Turners Podcast, Mindy shares her journey into automotive, what it means to lead a team while raising two kids, and the exact customer service mindset that’s built her a loyal customer base. She talks real talk about selling with heart, parenting while managing a busy shop, and how care—not—commission, is what keeps customers coming back. 🔧 What You’ll Learn: – Why selling the appointment matters more than selling the repair – How to build unforgettable customer experiences – What every manager should learn from CliftonStrengths – How parenting teaches you to be a better leader and vice versa – Why trust and laughter are the real metrics of success 💬 Mindy also drops this 🔥 question for the next guest: "How do you handle negative feedback?" 🔔 Subscribe to the Wrench Turners Podcast for more in-depth conversations with industry innovators. #morethancars If this helped, comment with your next video idea or tag someone who needs to press record. Better yet, go make something. I would love to see it. Subscribe for episodes on: Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Automotive Content Creation Event Media and Publication Event Filmography Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45eb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing ASOTU - More than Cars - Where Innovative Ideas In Auto Are Born https://www.asotu.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@asotu/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu Toma - "We care about our customers." https://www.toma.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomavoice/ Chapters 00:00 Intro to Mindy Williams 01:39 Falling into automotive by accident 03:47 What appointment setting teaches you 05:46 Handling objections like a pro 07:39 Why Mindy loves selling 10:00 Relationship-based selling 12:30 Using a calendar to build loyalty 14:34 Customer care beyond the bay 17:33 What parenting taught her about leadership 19:30 What makes CMA different 21:50 How to make your team feel appreciated 23:13 How to find joy in your job 25:41 Advice to technicians: speak up 27:46 Mindy’s take on work-life balance

On this episode of the Wrench Turners Podcast, I sit down with Canadian technician David Rodrigues. For nearly 20 years, David has been mastering his craft on Hondas and Acuras. This is not just a career recap. It’s a deep dive into legacy, leadership, and the reality of working flat-rate. David shares how he started through co-op, landed a rare apprenticeship, and became the go-to diagnostic tech. But then he left. Why? Leadership that didn’t fight for his time. And when he returned, everything changed. In this episode, we cover: 🙋‍♂️ Why being the best technician in the shop can feel like a curse 🙋‍♂️ How he diagnosed a TLX that only failed in the rain 🙋‍♂️What real support from a service manager looks like 🙋‍♂️How a good shop foreman can make or break a dealership 🙋‍♂️Why boring jobs make the best money This is for the tech who wants more. More respect. More growth. More meaning in the work. Don't miss this conversation if you’re leading techs or trying to become one worth following. Chapters: 0:00 The technician’s legacy 3:00 Hot Wheels to Hondas 10:00 Earned Apprenticeship 17:00 Dealership promised everything, delivered nothing 26:00 Diagnosing the impossible TLX 33:00 Shop foremen make or break it 42:00 The boring jobs pay the best 45:00 Best advice for every tech 49:00 Work-life balance isn’t one-size-fits-all If you're a fixed ops director, service manager, Technician, BDC trainer, SaaS Founder, Service Advisor, or automotive professional looking to understand the future of dealership operations, this discussion offers valuable insights. 🔔 Subscribe to the Wrench Turners Podcast for more in-depth conversations with industry innovators. #morethancars If this helped, comment with your next video idea or tag someone who needs to press record. Better yet, go make something. I would love to see it. Subscribe for episodes on: Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Automotive Content Creation Event Media and Publication Event Filmography Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45eb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard care products built for technicians. Use code WRENCH15 at checkout: https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co https://www.youtube.com/@TheBeardedBrotherhood https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bearded-brotherhood Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com https://www.youtube.com/@fixedopsmarketing https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketing The Lion Partnership — Consulting for service department performance https://www.lionpartnership.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lion-partnership DCS - Digital Communication Solutions — Digital Sales and Service Tags https://www.dicoso.us https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-communication-solutions/ ASOTU - More than Cars - Where Innovative Ideas In Auto Are Born https://www.asotu.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@asotu/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu Toma - "We care about our customers." https://www.toma.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomavoice/

This isn’t another how-to-fix-a-car video. This is how to fix yourself in the trade before the trade breaks you. In this Wrench Turner's Podcast compilation, five technicians and leaders drop hard-earned wisdom, not about tools, not about pay plans, but about mindset, ownership, growth, and survival in the bay. 💬 "No one’s coming to save you." That’s the wake-up call running through every clip in this episode. You’ll hear real stories and raw advice from: Technicians who've fought burnout Leaders who've turned mistakes into mentorship Wrench turners who chose growth over gossip If you’ve ever felt stuck, pissed off, or like you’re the only one who cares, this one’s for you. j. Subscribe for weekly episodes on: Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Automotive Content Creation Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard care products built for technicians. Use code WRENCH15 at checkout: https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com The Lion Partnership — Consulting for service department performance https://www.lionpartnership.com DCS - Digital Communication Solutions — Tools for service and BDC teams https://www.dicoso.us Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:16 Dealing with Bad Days (Derek Scherer) 06:30 Understand Before You Diagnose (Daniel Lee) 09:14 Take Ownership of Your Training (Clinton Cruz) 11:48 Positivity is a Survival Tool (Brooklynne Morse) 13:22 Invest in Your Growth (Jeremy Stephens) 16:46 Final Message

From Parts Ninja to Shop Coach and Service Director of Multiple stores | Robert Migliaccio | Wrench Turners Podcast Today’s guest didn’t just work his way up; he built his way up. Robert Migliaccio started as a teenage car detailer, dropped out of high school, and never looked back. With decades in the trenches of fixed ops, Robert’s story is the kind you don’t hear often, and the kind you don’t forget. He’s run parts counters like a silent assassin, coached technicians with empathy and clarity, and now oversees multi-store service operations across states. And he does it all while mentoring new techs, giving back to local schools, and living what it means to be a leader in the service lane. 💥 Topics we cover: 👉 How Robert found opportunity after dropping out of high school 👉 What it really takes to run a winning parts department 👉 The question every tech should ask during an interview 👉 Why the best leaders treat their stall like a franchise 👉 How to bring entrepreneurship into a dealership 👉 The myth of the “dead-end” parts job 👉 Leading a shop while raising a family on one income 👉 What basketball taught him about leadership and peace If you’re in fixed ops, this is one of the most well-rounded voices you’ll hear. And if you’ve ever felt stuck in your role, this episode might be the spark you need to keep going. 📌 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more real, raw conversations from the world of automotive 👍 Work with me: Want to be on the show, be a sponsor of any show that I host or produce? Do you need a content creator for your business or automotive event filmography? Reach out: [email protected] 🎙️ Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast 🌍 More episodes and resources: https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com https://wrenchturners.online 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ 💼 Connect with Joshua Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ 🧔‍♂️ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard oils, balms, and waxes made for the blue-collar man. Use code WRENCH15 at https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co for 15% off. 💻 Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Service Department Marketing https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com The Lion Partnership — Strategic Dealership Consulting https://www.lionpartnership.com DCS - Digital Communication Solutions for Dealerships https://www.dicoso.us Connect Convert Close - Sales and BDC Workshop May 22, 2025 https://www.connectconvertclose.us

Writing accurate, detailed repair orders isn't just paperwork—it's how shops get paid, protect themselves from chargebacks, and deliver exceptional customer service. In this episode of The Wrench Turners Podcast, host Joshua Taylor is joined by Alec Ruffini, a Navy vet turned Fixed Ops leader, and Clemente Dominguez, a fast-rising shop foreman. Together, they break down why most service departments struggle with RO documentation and how to fix it, starting today. Whether you're a technician frustrated by bad write-ups or a service advisor getting frustrated with poor "stories" from the shop floor, this episode shows you how to bridge the gap. In this episode, we cover: 👉 Why a clear customer concern, cause, and correction (3C) matters 👉 How bad RO stories cause warranty claim denials and chargebacks 👉 Why do missing details like location, duplication steps, and verification notes ruin the work 👉 The technician's side of the story and how to fix the "I hate typing" problem 👉 Tools and processes to improve RO writing without slowing down the shop 👉 Real-world examples of bad and better ROs 👉 How to drive better communication between advisors and techs 👉 Voice-to-text workflows to streamline documentation 👉 What a 1% improvement in RO stories means to your bottom line If you manage, write, or work on repair orders, this is your blueprint for better documentation, fewer comebacks, and higher approvals. Subscribe for weekly episodes on: Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard care products built for technicians. Use code WRENCH15 at checkout: https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com The Lion Partnership — Consulting for service department performance https://www.lionpartnership.com DCS - Digital Communication Solutions — Tools for service and BDC teams https://www.dicoso.us Chapters: 00:00 Why repair order writing matters 01:07 RO example: “Customer is here for the recall” 03:33 RO example: “Vehicle is making a whooping noise” 13:07 RO example: "Rough idle and no check engine light" 16:48 What’s missing from most repair orders 17:41 Enforcing better RO habits 23:49 Voice-to-text tips for faster, better documentation

From Navy Veteran to Coaching Service Teams | Alec Ruffini & Clemente Dominguez | Wrench Turners Podcast Today’s guests didn’t stumble into leadership; they forged their way there. Alec Ruffini, a Navy veteran turned automotive coach, and Clemente Dominguez, a rising shop foreman, join host Joshua Taylor to talk about what it really takes to run a high-performing dealership service department. From ethical sales and technician development to team dynamics and trust-building, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Alec shares lessons from decades of turning around underperforming shops, while Clemente offers a fresh perspective from someone who went from independent repair to managing a 25-person dealership team. 💥 Topics we cover: 👉 Alec’s unexpected career path 👉 Why integrity matters 👉 What Clemente learned 👉 How to build technician trust 👉 What it actually means to be a steward 👉 Communication shapes team performance 👉 The one mindset every technician needs 👉 Managing stress If you're in Fixed Ops, an aspiring leader, or a technician wondering how to level up, this is your playbook. This is how leaders get built. 📌 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more real, raw conversations from the world of automotive 🎙️ Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast 🌍 More episodes and resources: https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ 💼 Connect with Joshua Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ 🧔‍♂️ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard oils, balms, and waxes are made for the blue-collar man. Use code WRENCH15 at https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co for 15% off. 💻 Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Revolutionizing dealership service marketing. https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com The Lion Partnership — Strategic Dealership Consulting https://www.lionpartnership.com DCS - Digital Communication Solutions https://www.dicoso.us Chapters: 00:00 Leadership that changes Fixed Ops 01:55 Navy to service director 03:45 Clemente’s path 07:26 The big transition: smol vs large 10:10 Coaching culture: “More or better” 12:04 Alec’s leadership test 17:03 Mentorship wins 21:29 How great leaders build trust 27:13 Clemente’s “shop equality” 32:30 Advice for techs 35:46 How Alec and Clemente manage anxiety

The Hard Truth Every Mechanic Needs to Hear in 2025 Feeling stuck in the shop? This video will change how you think about your career. Auto technician pay is flat. Tariffs are rising. Leadership feels clueless. And you are still expected to fix cars, deal with customers, hit your hours, and somehow stay sane. In this unfiltered message from the cold seat of his motorcycle, Joshua Taylor breaks down exactly what every automotive technician, service advisor, and tradesperson needs to hear right now. You will learn: ✅ Why your mindset is the most valuable tool in your toolbox ✅ How to start earning what you are actually worth ✅ What to do when management ignores your value ✅ Why training apprentices is still your responsibility Whether you are a new tech, a shop foreman, or a veteran mechanic, this video is your call to stop blaming the economy, stop waiting on permission, and start leveling up. WATCH THIS IF YOU: Are not making enough money as a mechanic Feel stuck in your technician career Want to learn how to communicate better in the shop Need real talk about pay, training, and leadership Believe in personal responsibility and growth Mechanics are the backbone of society. You fix what breaks. But you cannot fix your paycheck, your stress, or your future by complaining. You fix it by getting better. Starting today. 👀 Want to improve but not sure where to start? Drop a comment. I will reply. 💬 Like what you heard? Share this with your team or someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for regular episodes on: Shop Floor Mental Health Service advisor training Technician productivity Repair order accuracy Dealership leadership and culture Fixed Ops coaching and management Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast Spotify: https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Sponsored by The Bearded Brotherhood Premium beard care products built for technicians. Use code WRENCH15 at checkout: https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co Powered by: FixedOPS Marketing — Service marketing tools for dealerships https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com The Lion Partnership — Consulting for Dealerships and Independants, Automotive, Powersports, Motorcycle, Marine, and more. Sales and Service department performance improvements. https://www.lionpartnership.com DCS - Digital Communication Solutions — Tools for service and BDC teams https://www.dicoso.us

Today's guest, Louise Azzopardi, didn’t just fall into the automotive world. She ran toward it, with confidence and clarity most of us didn’t have at 15. From her earliest days wrenching in rail yards and truck shops to standing on the world stage as the first woman to compete (and win gold) at Australia’s WorldSkills nationals, Louise has never followed the conventional path. She didn’t just want to work in the trades; she wanted to change them. After enduring bullying, sexism, and mental health challenges, Louise stepped into something more powerful than technical mastery; coaching, mentoring, and equipping tradespeople with the emotional tools they were never taught. Now the host of Anxious Tradeswoman (Building Confidence), a life coach, and a global speaker, Louise is on a mission to make the trades a place where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or body size, can thrive. In this episode, we cover: 👉 Farm girl to award-winning heavy diesel tech 👉 The emotional and physical toll of “toughing it out” 👉 What she means by “There is no tiger” 👉 Boundaries, not bravado, create lasting leadership 👉 Practical tools leaders use to support teams Louise offers real-world advice for tradespeople who feel like they’re constantly on edge, overwhelmed, or doubting themselves. Her message is simple but powerful: You don’t have to “stay strong” just to survive. You deserve to exist, grow, and feel safe where you work. 🎙️ Listen to Anxious Tradeswoman wherever you get your podcasts Follow Louise on https://www.instagram.com/louiseazzopardicoaching https://www.youtube.com/@louiseazzopardi9275 A Special Thank You The Wrench Turners Podcast is made possible thanks to our sponsors and partners who believe in supporting the people behind the wrenches. FixedOPS Marketing https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com Changing the game in dealership service marketing. The Lion Partnership https://www.lionpartnership.com/ Your go-to for industry connections that matter. Digital Communication Solutions GmbH https://www.dicoso.us Simplifying sales and service communication. The Bearded Brotherhood https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co/wrench15 Premium beard oils, balms, and mustache waxes for the Blue Collar Man. Use code WRENCH15 for 15% off. I do get financial compensation when this happens, I appreciate it when it does. We appreciate these partnerships for helping push the industry forward. — j. Chapters 00:00 Intro to Louise Azzopardi 01:21 Starting at 15 03:33 Mechanic rejection and finding HD 06:36 Meeting Sarah; a pivotal mentor 10:34 Gender bias and physical limitations 13:52 Culture, ego, and asking for help 16:07 First-year apprenticeship in a dealership 17:49 Working on diesel trucks and rail 21:02 How Australian apprenticeships are structured 25:37 Trade stacking and EV education 30:37 EV, infrastructure, and future of fuel 33:09 Sexual harassment, bullying, and mental health 35:16 Winning WorldSkills; first woman to do it 36:56 “I’m tired of being strong” 40:28 Coaching tradespeople in mental resilience 42:27 Boundaries and how to communicate discomfort 45:13 Emotional intelligence and leadership 48:51 You are 50% of every relationship 50:18 Louise’s advice: “There is no tiger” 51:36 Question from Josh Arnold: “How will you change the industry?” 52:08 Louise’s answer: “By giving people the tools to change their world.” 52:47 Louise’s question for the next guest: “What do you do to calm anxiety?” 53:01 Where to find Louise & upcoming appearances 🎧 Listen on Spotify: 🔗 Follow Joshua Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ 💬 Like, comment, subscribe, and share to support this mission of turning mechanics into leaders. 🌍 Wrench Turners Podcast Socials: https://wrenchturners.online https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Today's guest, Josh Arnold, never planned to be a mechanic. He picked it off a college list like a random raffle number. On day one, his future mentor told him to quit. And honestly, he probably should have. But he didn't.Instead, he worked six days a week at a flat rate, with no shortcuts. Fast-forward, and he is now a Toyota and Subaru Master Tech, a trainer in the shop, and the MyKarma Grand Prix Champion for his top-tier Video MPI skills.In this episode, we cover:Clueless apprentice to award-winning Master TechThe power of doing the jobs nobody wants to doWhy Video MPIs are a game changer How techs can build their careers, increase their pay, and change the industryJosh offers real-world advice for technicians looking to level up. His message is clear: Do things differently, do the work others will not, and watch your career grow.Like, comment, and subscribe to help spread this message and support technicians everywhere.Always looking for guests, please reach out by email to be on the show: [email protected] A Special Thank You The Wrench Turners Podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our Partners, Sponsors, and Affiliates. FixedOPS Marketing https://www.fixedopsmarketing.com Changing the game in dealership service marketing. The Lion Partnership https://www.lionpartnership.com/ Your go-to for industry connections that matter. Digital Communication Solutions GmbH https://www.dicoso.us Simplifying sales and service communication. The Bearded Brotherhood https://thebeardedbrotherhood.co/wrench15 Premium beard oils, balms, and mustache waxes for the Blue Collar Man. We appreciate these partnerships in pushing the industry forward!j. Chapters00:00 Intro to Josh Arnold 01:21 Josh’s Unexpected Career Start 02:14 Why He Chose Auto Tech 06:05 Toyota T10 Program Entry 09:01 Learning Through Used Cars 13:27 Flat Rate Work Strategy 16:20 Becoming a Master Tech 21:12 Winning My Karma Grand Prix 25:32 Video MPI Importance 27:23 Getting Paid for VMPI 30:49 Continuous Improvement Mindset 33:24 Advice for Technicians 36:03 Service Quality Specialist Role 38:45 Work-Life Balance & Family 41:23 Future Goals in Auto Tech 42:47 How to Change Industry 43:07 Closing Thoughts & OutroListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 160 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive.Wrench Turners Podcast Socialshttps://wrenchturners.onlinehttps://wrenchturnerspodcast.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/

Welcome to the FIRST episode of the 10 Mill Mastery Debrief series where we debrief the week's Service Drive Live Topic. In this episode, I sit down with Marshall Sheldon and Josh Arnold to debrief on Service Drive Live and dig into one of the biggest struggles for technicians: comebacks. We cover: ✔️ Why technicians do not get paid for comebacks and why that needs to change ✔️ How flat rate and hourly pay affect comeback handling ✔️ The role of service advisors in preventing comebacks ✔️ How to reduce comebacks and improve shop efficiency If you are a technician, service manager, or dealer principal: this episode is for you Drop a comment and let me know how your shop handles comebacks. Should technicians get paid for them? CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to the first debrief 00:52 Why comebacks are a big issue 01:50 How flat rate techs lose money 04:10 Why some techs avoid comeback issues 05:30 How managers handle comebacks poorly 07:00 Guilty until proven innocent in automotive 09:25 The real problem with pay plans 11:26 What happens after a comeback 15:48 Why foreman roles really matter 18:24 How senior techs can prevent mistakes 19:25 What advisors can do to help 22:17 The best way to write up jobs 23:39 Why advisors need more training 25:18 Simple ways to improve the process 29:06 Final thoughts on fixing comebacks 💈 SPONSOR: THE BEARDED BROTHERHOOD 🔥 Get 15 percent off on high-quality beard care products for technicians who take pride in their facial hair 🔗The Bearded Brotherhood "WRENCH15" 👉 Follow me for real talk about technician struggles and solutions If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. With over 160 Episodes, the Wrench Turners Podcast helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive. Business Inquiries: Email to sponsor, guest, or request custom content Affiliates, Sponsors, and Partnerships FixedOPS Marketing: Revolutionizing dealership service marketing with innovative solutions. The Lion Partnership: Your trusted partner for automotive industry connections. QB Business Solutions: Helping dealerships grow with cutting-edge strategies. Digital Communication Solutions: Simplifying Sales and Service Location. Car Biz Done Better: Helping dealerships optimize variable marketing and drive growth. Wrench Turners Podcast Socialshttps://wrenchturnerspodcast.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylorhttps://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ SpotifyWrench Turners Podcast on Spotify YouTube Wrench Turners Podcast on YouTube

Operating Partner, Fixed Operations Director, Coach - David Sparks Join us as we explore the career journey of David Sparks, a leader whose path in the automotive industry started with detailing, rustproofing, and window tinting and evolved into a deep-rooted passion for technical excellence, leadership, and mentorship. David’s story is one of continuous learning and adaptation. He transitioned from technician to service advisor, warranty administrator, dispatcher, and ultimately, service manager and fixed-ops director. His experience spans CDJR, Toyota, independent shops, and now Bar Automotive, where he coaches and trains service professionals nationwide. In this episode, David explains what it takes to thrive in automotive leadership, from technician success to fixed-ops strategy. He shares practical wisdom on: 👉 Proactive learning is essential: technicians must be responsible for their training and career growth. 👉 Respect and trust fuel operational excellence: leaders who personalize their communication get the best results. 👉 Conflict resolution is a leadership skill: handling technician and advisor challenges effectively builds a stronger team. This conversation isn’t just about David’s professional journey; it’s a blueprint for automotive professionals looking to turn everyday workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership. For technicians, mechanics, service advisors, service managers, and fixed ops leaders aiming to increase their impact, develop leadership skills, and improve shop culture, this episode delivers insightful, actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it. PS: Always looking for guests and sponsors! Reach out by email: [email protected] j. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 David Sparks’ Career Journey 05:10 Owning Your Technician Training 08:50 Attitude vs. Aptitude in Growth 12:40 Climbing the Fixed Ops Ladder 17:30 Leadership Through Communication 23:15 Managing Change in the Shop 26:50 Trust and Personal Leadership 29:10 Self-Reflection for Technicians 33:50 90-Day Rule for Career Growth 38:00 Defining Strong Leadership 41:30 Career Planning for Techs 43:10 Final Takeaways and Wrap-Up David Sparks https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sparks-b6031119/ Michael Barich https://www.fixedopsdoc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-barich-75210648/ All Things Fixed Ops Clubhouse - Wednesdays 9 am EST https://www.clubhouse.com/house/all-things-fixed-operations If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 160 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive. Wrench Turners Podcast Socials https://wrenchturners.online https://wrenchturnerspodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4

General Manager, Fixed Operations Director, Coach - T.C. Coleman Join us as we delve into the compelling career journey of T.C. Coleman, a seasoned leader whose roots in automotive passion were planted in childhood, nurtured by his father's engineering role at Nissan. T.C.'s early exposure to the mechanics of car maintenance and the automotive industry's inner workings ignited a lifelong passion, steering him away from his initial interest in sports to a dynamic path in automotive leadership. With over two decades of experience, T.C. reflects on his evolution from an enthusiastic car enthusiast to a revered leader in the automotive sector. His career, marked by significant stints with prominent brands, showcases his adeptness in mentoring, team-building, and strategic leadership. In this episode, T.C. unravels the layers of effective leadership within the high-stakes environment of automotive dealerships. He shares practical wisdom on: Takeaways: 👉 Cultivate a culture of proactive learning 👉 Respectful communication achieves operational excellence 👉 Learn conflict resolution to harness individual strengths This conversation is not just an exploration of T.C.'s professional milestones but also an instructional guide on transforming everyday workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership. For automotive service professionals aiming to elevate their career trajectory or anyone interested in the nuances of impactful leadership, this episode offers a wealth of insights and actionable advice. Let's get into it. PS. Always looking for guests to be on the show. Reach out by email, link in bio! j. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Gearhead to Automotive Leader 08:30 Listening to and Respecting Technicians 14:10 Effective Communication 20:00 Strategies for Building Team Unity 27:00 Insights on Balancing Career 36:20 Empowering Technicians to Speak Up If you found the following insightful, please consider commenting, liking, subscribing, and sharing it as we develop Mechanics into Leaders. Wrench Turners Podcast with over 160 Episodes helps Mechanics become happier, healthier, and more productive. Wrench Turners Podcast Socials https://wrenchturners.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjoshuataylor https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ Wrench Turners Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=9305ecd058f84eb4